A medical transfer plane carrying six people vanished off the coast of Nantucket after a rapid descent of more than 12,000 feet, triggering a sweeping Coast Guard search operation.
The Gulfstream G100, operated by Latitude Air Ambulance, was bound for Boston Logan International Airport from Bermuda when it lost contact with the Federal Aviation Administration. The aircraft had been scheduled to land at 1:25 a.m., according to the Coast Guard and FlightAware tracking data.
FlightAware data showed the plane plummeted from 23,500 feet to 11,000 feet in roughly three minutes beginning at 1:04 a.m. The steep drop preceded the complete loss of communication with air traffic control.
Radio transmissions obtained by the Boston Globe captured a New York controller’s growing concern in the final minutes of contact. “You’re coming in blind? Is that what you said?” the controller asked at approximately 12:46 a.m. “Are you declaring an emergency or no?”
The controller pressed again moments later: “You’re coming in a little weak so I didn’t hear what your response was.”
Four Canadians — two medical personnel and two pilots — and two Bermuda natives — a patient and their family member — were aboard the aircraft, Latitude Air Ambulance told The Canadian Press. The company has not publicly addressed the circumstances of the flight’s disappearance.
An FAA spokesperson said a search and rescue alert notice was issued at approximately 1:20 a.m., minutes after the scheduled arrival time. The Coast Guard mobilized extensive resources including an Ocean Sentry HC-144, an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod, a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat from Station Brant Point, a Fast Response cutter from ship USCGC William Sparling, and an HC-130 Hercules from Air Station Elizabeth City.
The search area spans 13 nautical miles off Nantucket’s coast, extending 30 nautical miles wide and 20 nautical miles long, according to the military branch.
David Burt, Premier of Bermuda, issued a statement expressing solidarity with those affected. “My thoughts are with everyone on board and their families during this deeply worrying time,” Burt said. “We are praying that all six people will be found safe, and we thank the search and rescue crews for their continuing efforts.”
A Logan Airport official confirmed the flight never arrived and extended sympathies, saying “our thoughts are with those on board and their loved ones as the search continues.”
The National Transit Safety Review Board told The Post it is “currently gathering information” on the incident.